Third Annual Katie's Run Inspires Many for Good Cause

It may not have been the New York City marathon, but to the runners careening through the streets of New Hyde Park, it was just as important, if not moreso.

The Katie McBride Foundation held their third annual “,” Sunday, consisting of a 5K and two mile run/walk to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island who helps families with housing and encouragement when their children are ill with life threatening diseases.

The run started near the on Lakeville Road and ended near at the corner of Wilton and Albert Streets.

The event and foundation were named in honor of Katie McBride, who was first diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma in 2007. The disease, which spread to her bone marrow and turned to deadly leukemia claimed Katie’s life in March 2008.

Michael McBride, Katie’s father and director of the New Hyde Park Funeral Home, said that it is his hope the donations increase yearly. Estimates peg the 2012 run brought in approximately $6,000.

Several of the participants have come back each year, feeling that they are running for a good cause such as New Hyde Park resident Elena Chimienti.

“This is for a great cause and I will definitely run again next year,” she said, posting a time of 29:58. “I had a lot of fun.”

The top time for a female resident from New Hyde Park was two-time first place winner Angela Coppola, 42, who finished at 23:08 with her dog Jam at her side.

“This is my third year running and I will come back again next year,” she said.

Olivia Chan came in second place within the New Hyde Park category, posting 23:29. The fist place New Hyde Park male resident champ was Kevin Keenan at 24:31.16 with second place going to Dylan Ng at 24:53.69.

Yet, in everyone’s eyes the real champ was first-time wheelchair participant Peter Hawkins, Malverne resident who came in at 14:17, who said he will “definitely” enter next year.

Maureen Tobin, a mother of three who all participate in the run/walk every year for the memory of Katie said it’s all about raising awareness and to honor the memory of the young girl whose life was lost.

“Everyone should donate and it is to remember others that are less fortunate,” she said. “And my kids enter the fun run, but it’s just great to be out here every year.”

The top overall runners featured a pair of alumni: was the top overall male open finisher, who was presented with the Mayor’s Cup and posted a time of 16:12.72. Overall second place went to Floral Park resident Matthew Badano at 16:14.99. Third place was and running prodigy Thomas Awad scoring 17:01.71.

The top female overall finishers were: Shari Klarfeld – 19:25.13; Kim McKay – 20:36.36 and Carmen Anderson – 21:01.71.

The oldest winner was New Hyde Park Resident Bernice Dobkin, 75, who came in at 53:52.83.    

For more results about the winners go to http://www.katiesrun.com.